The Pre-health Professions Programs (PPP) assists individuals interested in allopathic
medicine, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine,
optometry, pharmacy, podiatric medicine, public health and physician assistant programs
to prepare for and gain admission into health professions schools or programs. In
addition, PPP provides students with information, direction and assistance in preparing
for admissions examinations for professional schools and for career options.

Students interested in medicine may select any major offered by the University. Medical
and related health professions schools do not require potential applicants to major
in any particular area of study. However, in choosing a major, two factors should
be assessed: interest and aptitude. Most students participating in PPP are either
biological sciences or chemistry majors. Students who hold a bachelors degree or beyond
are welcomed and encouraged to complete their pre-professional coursework for any
of the health professions here at Chicago State University. Faculty members serve
as advisors in the academic major. However, since professional schools entrance requirements
vary, students are strongly encouraged to work closely with the Office of Pre-health
Professions Programs.

Significant factors in gaining entry to professional schools include academic performance
in college, results on the designated admissions test, letters of evaluation, a possible
interview and one’s involvement in extracurricular activities. Medical and related
professional schools are most concerned with the overall quality and scope of the
undergraduate academic performance. Therefore, the importance of establishing and
maintaining an above-average academic record from the freshman through the senior
year cannot be overemphasized.

Pre-Pharmacy (PPHR)

1000 PRE-PHARMACY FRESHMAN SEMINAR (1)

Introductory survey of the pharmacy profession. Study skills, career planning, success
strategies, effective problem solving techniques, and a plethora of resources will
be presented.

Prelaw

Most law schools do not require a specific major or course of study for admission,
although the most common majors are political science, English, history, economics
and psychology. Law schools usually expect students to have a broad foundation in
the social sciences and the humanities, although expertise in the sciences is in increasing
demand. A major in “prelaw” or criminal justice is not necessarily preferred by most
law schools. Students who want to attend law school must develop their reading, writing,
and analytical skills to a high level. They are strongly urged to take additional
courses in English composition, philosophy, history, and other disciplines that enhance
these skills. Since most law schools now rely on computers for research, communication,
and testing, it is essential that students become computer literate. In addition,
students should plan to take a test preparation course before taking the Law School
Admission Test (LSAT). Students should plan to take the LSAT no later than fall semester
of their senior year. The following courses help prepare students for law schools
by examining and exploring legal reasoning, the legal profession, and law school:
CJ 4345/345 Law, the Legal System, and Society POL1310/131 Law School Application
In addition, the following courses may be beneficial for students who plan to attend
law school.

PHIL 1020/204 Introduction to Logic

PHIL 1030/221 Critical Thinking

PHIL 2760/330 Philosophy of Law

ENG 2280/228 Critical Strategies of Writing

ENG 2790/279 Business Writing

CJ 4345/343 Constitutional Criminal Procedure

POL 4030/303 American Constitutional Law

POL 4050/305 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

POL 0920/092 LSAT Preparation

Students interested in preparing for law school should contact Dr. Carol Leach, CSU
Prelaw Advisor SCI 116B; 773/995-2445; E-Mail: ca-leach@csu.edu. Updates on Prelaw
activities will be posted on the Prelaw website at www.csu.edu/PreLaw . For additional information about the law school experience, contact Dr. Marc Cooper
773 / 995-2131, Dr. Nuru Yakubu Ubamgiji.